Initial entry order numbers were determined and sent out by email on 4/24/24 for everyone that registered by 4/19. Please check your email (be sure to check your Spam/Junk folder too) and send in your RSVP by 5/5. If you did not receive an email with your number, please email: vcrowser@mt.gov or call 406-542-5518.
Then, the week of May 6, we will be sending you a new and final entry number based on RSVPs. Please watch your email and check Spam/Junk folders.
A new plan in the interest of human safety
Western Montana’s Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a popular destination for antler hunters when it opens for the season annually at noon on May 15. This year, due to human safety concerns with the growing congestion and pedestrian traffic along Highway 83, opening day antler hunters will need to access the area following a different process.
Background info
Stay updated
Public meeting
Thanks to all that participated in the public meeting on February 15 to share your ideas and provide input. View the meeting recording
Using input that we heard at the public meeting, we refined the access plan that antler hunters will use for the 2024 opener.
No limits, but be sure to register
Instead of staging vehicles along Hwy 83, as done in past years, those planning to access the WMA by vehicle were able register here beginning Monday, April 1 (noon) through Friday, April 19 (midnight), 2024. There will be no limit to the number of vehicles that can access the WMA on opening day. Instead, the order of entry will be randomized through a drawing of those that registered by April 19. Those that missed the initial registration were also given a chance to add their name to a second list to be placed in chronological order behind those that have already registered. This second list closed on May 3.
If you missed the registration
Those that arrive on opening day without registering at all will still be allowed to enter with a vehicle using the east entrance (off Woodworth Road) beginning at noon. Those vehicles can just show up and will stage at the east entrance behind all other registered vehicles.
Walk-in, horse and later vehicle entry
Walk-in and horse access is available from designated parking areas on the west side of the WMA, off Hwy 83, beginning at noon, with no registration required. Beginning at 2 p.m., the west entrance of the WMA will also open to vehicles with no registration required.
Continued refinement
2024 opening day will be a test run of a new process; we will be looking for feedback from antler hunters and others that will refine the plan before the 2025 opener. Extra staff with be on the WMA on opening day this year to assist visitors and gather feedback.
Anyone 12 and older will need to have a conservation license to enter the WMA. If you have a hunting or fishing license, you already automatically have your conservation license, and if not, you can buy online, at an FWP or at any license provider.
Here are a few nearby campground locations for those hoping to stay overnight in the area. All locations are first-come, first-served at this time of year.
State Parks:
Salmon Lake State Park (23 campsites)
Placid Lake State Park (40 campsites)
Fishing Access Sites:
Harper’s Lake (14 campsites)
Clearwater Crossing (6 campsites)
Russell Gates (11 campsites)
Forest Service Campground:
Big Larch (48 campsites)
For more information, contact:
Vivaca Crowser
FWP regional communication and education manager
406-542-5518
vcrowser@mt.gov